Value of Trees Range from Climate to Costs Reduction, says the Illinois Arborist Association

ANTIOCH, IL, October 06, 2010 (Press-News.org) Trees are essential to life and yet, are often taken for granted. Up to one million acres of forest are lost to city growth in the United States each year. The Illinois Arborist Association (IAA) provides information to schools, municipalities, businesses and the general public detailing the value of trees to the community and the environment.

The benefits offered by trees are varied and include:
• Air Filtration - filters out particles and absorbs harmful gases
• Cost Reduction - provides shade and shelter, reducing yearly heating and cooling costs by billions of dollars nationwide
• Climate Control - assisted by moderating the effects of sun, wind, and rain
• Increase Property Value - well-cared landscape properties are 5-20% more valuable than non-landscaped estates
• Protection - from falling rain, sleet, and hail, also reducing storm run-off, and possible flooding
• Purifies Water - improves water quality by slowing and filtering rain water
• Glare and Reflection Control - moderates the heat-island effect in our cities
• Sound Barrier - reduces noise pollution
• Wind Break, Deflection, and Filtration - controls wind speed and direction

"Trees are a growing asset to any property, so tree maintenance is important for long-term health, safety, and aesthetic value," said IAA President Bill Bolt, a Springfield, Ill.-based consulting arborist. "Trees have a dollar value of their own. Competent tree appraisers can determine the dollar value of your trees and plants by evaluating the size, type, condition, and location of the tree, meaning you may be able to recapture your loss if they are damaged or destroyed."

The best way to prepare for an unfortunate, unexpected loss is to take precautionary measures. "Hazardous trees can cause significant damage to people's homes in the wrong conditions," Bolt said.

A few simple preventive steps can improve the value of your trees, and might prevent future financial loss.
• Plan your landscape for beauty and functional value
• Protect and preserve to maintain value
• Take pictures of trees and other landscape plants while they are healthy
• Check your homeowner's insurance
• Keep accurate landscape and real estate appraisal records
• Consult an IAA Certified Arborist regularly to ensure unnecessary financial loss when casualty strikes

To locate a certified arborist in your area, contact the IAA at (877) 617-8887 or visit http://www.illinoisarborist.org.

Illinois Arborist Association background
The Illinois Arborist Association is a non-profit organization that educates members and the general public in proper tree care. IAA supports research on trees and is based on the mission to "Foster interest, establish standards, exchange professional ideas and pursue scientific research in Arboriculture."